Cruise Ship Visits and Passenger Numbers Rise in Asia

3.1M travellers from Asia took a cruise last year, which is a rise of 55% from 2015, according to a new report by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Asia Cruise Trends report for 2017 found that 68% of the 3.1M passengers hailed from mainland China - the market which grew the amazing 99% in 2015, and at a 4-year CAGR (Compound annual growth rate) of 76%.

It confirms China as the fastest growing cruise passenger source market in the world, making the country world's number 2 in 2016. The United States was the largest source market, while Germany and the United Kingdom were the 3rd and 4th largest, respectively.

Further growth is expected this year, as 66 cruise liners will provide 10,196 operating days in Asia, a 137% rise from 2013 as well as 25% increase from 2016. 5 of these are mega cruise ships with capacity for over 3,500 passengers, while 13 are large and able to accommodate between 2,000-3,500 guests, 26 are mid-sized and 17 are small vessels which will sail seasonally in Asia. 5 expedition ships will offer limited seasons' itineraries. This marks a significant growth of 53% from 2013, when only 43 ships were cruising in Asia.